JULIA DONALDSON, who was named Children’s Laureate last year, told Maria Miller – who replaced Jeremy Hunt in the recent reshuffle – that cutting library budgets was “a false economy”.

GRUFFALO author Julia Donaldson has urged the new Culture Secretary to “show some leadership” and prevent cuts to libraries.

The writer, who was named Children’s Laureate last year, told Maria Miller – who replaced Jeremy Hunt in the recent reshuffle – that cutting library budgets was “a false economy”.

The scribe, who lives in Glasgow, began a tour today, taking in 35 libraries across Britain over six weeks.

In an open later to Ms Miller, Julia said: “I’m also hoping that the tour will draw ­attention to the erosion of the library service which is happening in so many local authorities, and to the current Government’s utter refusal to intervene or to provide any leadership.”

Julia said nearly 250 libraries were currently under threat of closure, have been closed or have left council control since April.

She also said staff numbers had been cut along with the number of books available.

She added: “Will you consider ring-fencing council spending on children’s library services? Will you discuss with your colleagues the possibility of using some of the education budget for this purpose?

“Above all, will you (unlike your predecessor) respond to concerns and complaints, and show some leadership for our young readers?”